Can I still get the flu even if I've already gotten my flu shot?

Hi Nina, and thanks for a great question!

The answer, unfortunately, is yes, there's a chance you can still get the flu even if you get a flu vaccination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on various factors, including the age and health status of the person being vaccinated, and also the similarity or “match” between the viruses used to make the vaccine and those circulating in the community. If the viruses in the vaccine and the influenza viruses circulating in the community are closely matched, vaccine effectiveness is higher. If they are not closely matched, vaccine effectiveness can be reduced. However, it’s important to remember that even when the viruses are not closely matched, the vaccine can still protect many people and prevent flu-related complications. Such protection is possible because antibodies made in response to the vaccine can provide some protection (called cross-protection) against different but related influenza viruses.

Hope that helps! Are you getting a flu shot this year? Why or why not? I've already had mine.

Best,

Pat